Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Having defeated Abraxas, the crew headed back to Pegasus Station. Given a database of information on the Rogue Fleet from Cibo, Alexei and Ettik analyzed the data extensively to determine the crews next destination.
Meanwhile; the crew was given time to relax after their latest battle, all the services of Pegasus Station available for them. While some went shopping, others preferred to stay onboard the ship. Stryder, seeking to pass time, came across a curious shop.
The owner, a mysterious old humanoid fox, offered him a chance to see his daemon, the animal spirit residing within one�s soul, and offered to make it manifest should he desire it. Joined by Lilly and Valrash, the three decided to have their daemon live beside them.
Back on the ship, Alexei finished going over the database and discovered two star systems of note. Both of these systems seemed to be origins of the energy signals emitted by the sacred blades, and surely targets for the Rogue Fleet. The Aquanas system was to be the first destination.
*Time passed: None*
Alexei glances over system data as Ettik�s engines begin to thrum softly in preparation for departure from Pegasus Station. �If you have any last business to tend to, it�s now or never,� Alexei says over the ship-wide, his Russian accent still strong over the com system.
Elsewhere: Glancing over the remains of armored soldiers strewn about the grand hall, a man in silver and black glares at the alien next to him from behind his swirling yellow mask. �You said it was abandoned�for your incompetence, you will lead the next group in.�
The alien takes a heavy gulp as he surveys the chamber, red streams from the remains corrupting the once peaceful blue seawater fountain center piecing the ancient ornate hall. The armored man motions to a small group of guards as he heads back to his ship.
Valrash and Kalseru remain asleep in their quarters.
Shadow sits in the galley, drinking his ale, thinking to himself.
Stepping into his quarters, Stryder sits down on his bed, watching Aurora jump up next to him. �So, you�re the animal part of me, huh?� He asks petting her head. Aurora purrs softly with a nod.
Katie flops onto the sofa in her room, staring at everyone with a blank expression.
Walking down the hallway towards his quarters, Tabris wipes a few remaining sweat drops from his forehead, �We need a pool on this ship��
Luna exits the closet and moves to sit on the bed. �Eclipse, what was Vulpe thinking? Giving these kids daemons?�
Clarice stands in front of Katie�s quarters, then knocks.
�Why the hell not? C�mon in.� Katie grumbles, �The day can�t get much worse.�
�I�m sure she had her reasons,� Eclipse shrugs as he puts his new clothing away.
Claron looks at Katie. �Why the hell not? Huh?� passes Katie the joint just as Clarice comes into the room.
�Guess they�re are ready to go,� Alexei says to the empty bridge as the sound of the docking clamps releasing from the hull sounds dully through the ship. Ettik drifts sideways casually, then drifts backwards to clear the massive docking bay.
Tzaphiel lays in bed with Drac, listening to the odd beating of his heart. �Drac?� she asks quietly.
Kyra pats Cara�s arm. �I think I�m gettin� toasted.�
DracBlue wakes up as he hears Tza. �Hmmm, whaa?� he sleepily opens his eyes.
Tzaphiel turns her head and looks at him, �Why does your heart sound like it has an echo?�
DracBlue looks down at his chest, �Probably because I have two hearts, hon.�
Luna shakes her head, �I didn�t need more to worry about,� she leans against the headboard and crosses her arms.
Cara smirks, �You don�t look like you are burnt to me,� taking another swig from the bottle of Scotch.
Kyra intercepts the joint, and takes a puff, coughing a bit. �Wow. This is really good, Mrs. D.�
Sipping on a cup of coffee in the galley, Shayne looks around. Noticing Lilly storm out of the galley, he spots a bag and a rolled piece of paper she left on a nearby table. Raising a brow, he walks over to look at it.
Tzaphiel listens again as she looks at him and smiles, �Ahhh, now I hear the difference.�
Unrolling the paper, Shayne reads it, �Interesting recipe�can�t imagine it makes anything tasty with these ingredients.�
Katie laughs at Kyra and takes the joint. Then she looks up as Clarice walks into the room. Her expression changes, remembering what Froggy had told her.
�OH�aromatic smelling room, Kat.� Clarice giggles, then glances at Claron. �Hi, sis,� surprised to see Claron appearing so calm after all that has happened.
DracBlue wonders out loud, �Why do you want to listen to my heartbeat?�
Tabris pauses mid-step in the hallway, hearing excessive giggling inside. �What in the world�� Stepping next to the door, he places an ear to it.
Claron turns towards Kyra, �You just better hope I grabbed the right bag.� She turns back to look at Katie, winking at her.
Katie blinks at Claron. �Oh hell. Yes, I hope this is the right stuff. Don�t want a repeat of last time.�
Tzaphiel places a gentle kiss on Drac�s chest, then lays her head down again. �It�s a comforting sound.�
Sitting on the floor in one of Ettik�s forward observation rooms, Wraith watches as they clear station traffic and head for the jump gate. Cringing slightly, he pulls back his sleeve, looking at the two long black scars on his arm, nodding to the invisible wind as he does, �Let us hope we get them back before��
Noticing the change in Katie�s facial expression, Clarice asks softly, �Something wrong, Kat? Am I interrupting, or is it something else?�
Tabris shrugs, �Guess even the girls need some party time,� whistling enough to be heard through the door, he continues down the hallway.
DracBlue smiles, �So, anytime you need to be comforted, I can make you listen to my hearts?�
�Me, too. Me, too. Must be, I ain�t seen nothing�yet, that is.� Claron giggles.
Tzaphiel sighs, �No, that�s not really what I meant.�
Katie takes another hit, then looks back at Clarice. �Not interrupting,� she murmurs.
�Guess she�ll come back for it,� Shayne says putting the paper back down and taking another sip from his coffee.
DracBlue looks at Tza and then sighs, obviously confused. But he closes his eyes again, not questioning.
The jump gate flares with the time-old fountain of rainbow colors as Ettik glides inside and is quickly whisked away into the yellow blur of hyperspace.
Tzaphiel watches Drac drift off to sleep. She sits up and stares out the window watching the changing colors.
Shadow looks at Shayne and thinks to himself.
Claron looks at the door as she hears the sound of whistling. The sound of it reminding her of Tabris.
Lowering his sleeve, Wraith watches hyperspace drift by, �Two in the hands of tyrants and three unclaimed�� Quietly standing, he takes another glance out the viewport before heading into the hallway.
Luna sighs and stands up restlessly, prowling the room. �I can�t sit still right now,� she growls softly.
�So I�ve noticed�� Eclipse watches Luna prowl around the room, �Something bothering you?�
�Munchie run.� Katie announces brightly. �I�ll be right back!� She gets up and heads out of her room toward the galley.
�What the hell?� as Clarice watches Kat high-tail it out the door.
Luna swivels to make another pass, �More than one thing is bothering me. The two men who brought Katie home for starters.�
Shayne notices Shadow looking at him and offers a friendly smile, �So, off on another adventure, we are.�
Shadow says, �Aye, that we are. Forgive me for staring, you just remind me of someone.�
Katie reaches the galley, breezing in and heading for the replicator. �Hmm�we need some cheese and crackers��
�Oh? And who would that be?� Shayne takes another sip, then glances over towards Katie, watching her head for the replicator.
�Here, Clarice.� Claron hands her a fresh joint to light. �You need to catch up with the rest of us, from the looks of it.�
Shadow looks at Shayne, and then watches him looking at Katie. �Oh, just a friend who needed some advice about someone he liked.�
�You don�t say,� Shayne gives Shadow a sly smile, then goes back to keeping an eye on Katie.
Katie forgets what she came in for as she turns toward the sound of the voices. �OH!� She blinks a few times. �Hello, Colonel. Hi�uh�Shadow�I think��
�Stryder and�Shayne, was it?� Eclipse looks at Luna curiously, �What about them bothers you?�
Shadow shakes his head. �Hello, lass.� He then turns back to Shayne, returning his smile as he looks back to his mug.
�Hello, Katie, you feeling okay?� Shayne raises a brow at Katie, �You�re looking a little�well��
Katie smiles sweetly. �I look like I�m a bit inebriated?�
Shadow says bluntly, �Drunk.�
�Let�s see what Aquanas looks like,� Alexei says as a holographic model of the system appears in the center of the bridge. Walking around it, he glances at several of the planets, �This one,� he points to a large ocean planet. The rest of the hologram fades, the planet enlarges and becomes detailed.
Katie grins at Shadow. �Ooooooo!� She squeals and heads toward the table with the bag on it. �Wuzziss?�
Luna pauses mid-stride to stare at Eclipse, �You mean, Stryder the abductor, and Syne the shape shifting rescuer.�
Shayne watches Katie with amazement, giving a shrug to Shadow.
Shadow sighs. �Another party I don�t get invited to. Seems like it was a good one, too.�
�If you want to put it that way, yes,� Eclipse closes the drawer and looks back at Luna.
�Is it ever!� Katie says over her shoulder, unrolling the paper and reading it intently.
The paper lists some ingredients, 1 leg of toad, 2 pinches of wormwood, a drop of blood and 1 sprig of mandrake. It then details combining them in a bowl and saying the written chant.
Luna returns to her prowling, �What is Syne playing at? Katie�s fragile enough already, this is so gonna fuck her up when she finds out it�s him.�
Eclipse shakes his head for sounding repetitive, �I�m sure he has his reasons.�
Katie furrows her brow, going to get a bowl, and setting it next to the bag.
Luna growls in frustration at Eclipse, �And Stryder? How did that get past us? How long have we harbored and cared for that doppelganger?�
Testing the water with his fingers, Tabris turns and flings his shirt and pants out the bathroom door. Stepping into the shower, he lifts his head, letting the water run down over him.
�Long enough,� Eclipse says with a nod as he checks Morthoseth�s blade over and wipes it off with part of his shirt. �Doppelganger�s can be very convincing.�
Clarice lights up the joint her sister gave her, taking the smoke deeply into her lungs, holding it in. Almost as if savoring it before she exhales.
Katie stares at the paper. �I can�t pronounce this shit.�
�Perhaps I can help,� Shayne offers as he steps over to the table.
Tzaphiel gets up carefully to keep from waking Drac. She walks quietly to the door and slips out as she shifts into a black silk dress and thigh high boots. She heads down the hall towards the galley.
Katie gazes up at Shayne with a soft smile. Her lips part, and she does a slow blink. �I�d like that.�
�Hmm�� Alexei rubs his chin as he examines the large holographic planet, �Looks like a ruined settlement on the edge of the small continent, that�s probably the best place to start.�
Luna continues to growl as she paces back and forth through the room. �What else have we missed? What else is going to come up and bite me in the ass?�
DracBlue�s eyes crack open as she leaves. �Hmmm, I wonder what she needs.� But then, he thinks to himself, �Well, she wanted me to sleep�so that I will.� He closes his eyes again.
�I don�t know, but it�s probably not good to dwell on it,� Eclipse recommends as he props Morthoseth up against the wall.
Tzaphiel pauses just outside the galley door, watching the scene within.
Valrash�s eyes snap open as he looks down at the dragon. As its eyes meet with his, he says, �So it wasn�t a dream, huh?�
Kalseru looks back, �No, it wasn�t.�
Shadow looks over to Tza, �Hello, lass. Care to sit with an old dwarf?�
Tzaphiel steps into the galley and takes the offered seat. �What�s up?� she asks Shadow quietly.
Strolling down the hallway with Stryder, Aurora looks at the window as they go, �Looks like we�re on our way,� the lioness says with a purr to her voice.
Shayne reads over the paper, �Interesting language�looks old. Do you have everything this paper asks for?�
Shadow chuckles, �Is it a crime to want some company while you drink?�
Katie frowns. "Ettik, dearling? Any chance you could gimme some of the goodies on this list?� She reads off the list, wandering back to the replicator.
The replicator begins to create the items listed, save the drop of blood.
Katie takes the items back to the table, then stares at the paper again. �Hmm. I need blood.� She pulls a ceremonial dagger out of the sheath strapped to her thigh, then poises the blade over her hand, watching it wobble and weave. �Hmm.�
�Whoa, whoa�I think I should do that,� Shayne takes hold of Katie�s hand and slides the dagger out of her grip.
Katie laughs. �Well if ya wanted to hold my hand, Colonel�.�
�Okay, just a small poke,� Shayne pokes the end of her finger lightly enough to get a drop of blood out of it. With a nod, he leans down and slides the dagger back into the sheath on her thigh.
Valrash asks, �So, do you have to eat?�
Kalseru looks back at him, �I do not have to eat, but I would like to try it sometime.�
Tzaphiel looks at him oddly, �That�s not really what I meant.�
Shadow smiles. �Would you rather me mention what�s up at this moment?�
Katie watches the dagger slide back in, then licks her lips. �Thank you.� She poises her finger over the bowl, watching for the drop to fall in.
Tzaphiel looks at Shadow. �Yes, I was referring to the scene at hand.� She nods her head, indicating Katie and �Shayne�.
Shadow looks slightly to that way. �I believe they are mixing a concoction together.�
Kyra stretches out on the couch, looking at Cara. �What�s taking Katie so long with the snacks, I wonder?�
The drop falls into the bowl atop the other ingredients. Shayne looks down at the paper, then at the bowl. Clearing his throat, he begins the chant. In response, the contents of the bowl begin to smoke. �Now it says to get a pinch of the powder and blow it at the individual wanting to see their daemon?�
�Uh�that�s me, right?� Katie blinks a few times.
�I believe,� Shayne shrugs a bit and takes a pinch of the powder and gently blows it at Katie. The powder turns into a cloud with a blurry creature moving around.
Tzaphiel watches as Katie gets to see her daemon.
Eclipse watches Luna continue to pace, �Perhaps you need something to take your mind off all this.�
Valrash nods, then gets up and walks out of the room. Kalseru following close on his heels as they both walk to the galley.
Turning off the water, Tabris grabs a towel and throws it around his shoulders. Moving to the mirror, he checks himself out, then begins to dry off.
Cara shrugs her shoulders, �I dunno. Maybe she�� Cara pauses, �oh�what did you just say? I forgot�� she giggles merrily.
Luna glances at Eclipse as she paces, �Like what?� turning to go back the other way.
�Well for starters,� Eclipse moves over to Luna and places his hands on her shoulders, beginning to massage them.
Kyra stares at her for a long moment, then laughs. �Huh? What do you mean?� She gazes at the ceiling. �I�m sorry. Did you say something? Where�s that joint?�
The blurry creature details into a panther, prowling through the jungle. Shayne looks at the cloud with intrigue, then back at the paper, �If the daemon shown is desired, move the image into the bowl, it says.�
Luna stops pacing as Eclipse takes hold of her. �You do have a good idea there.�
Katie makes a happy sound. �Gorgeous!�
Stryder pauses at the end of a hallway and looks at Aurora, �You hear something?� Aurora perks her ears down the hallway, �Laughing, from one of those rooms down there.�
Claron picks up the clip on Katie�s nightstand. Whispering softly to herself, �SO, how did my Kat come to be reunited with you?� remembering the last time she held Katie�s clip in her hand.
�Put it in! Put it in!� Katie hops up and down.
�Right here,� Clarice chimes in, then passes Kyra the joint.
Shayne raises his brow at Katie, then looks at the cloud. Reaching over, he manages to pick it up, to his surprise, and drops it into the bowl. A yellow strand of dust shoots out of the bowl at Katie, going through her to form a real panther on the floor next to her.
Katie reaches out a hand to the panther hesitantly, suddenly a little unnerved to be this close to a real wild cat.
Valrash and Kalseru walk into the galley and look around. Kal nudges Valrash.
Valrash walks over to the replicator and replicates himself and the dragon some cooked and raw meat. He takes them to the table and offers the raw meat to the dragon.
The dragon, Kalseru, sniffs it, �It�s not cooked.�
Valrash smiles and cooks it with his flames.
Kalseru happily eats it as he begins to chow down on his food.
The panther blinks up at Katie, then sighs, �I�m Thorzdren, and you�re drunk�again.�
Katie snatches her hand back and scowls. �I needed something to take the edge off, Thorn. Kiss my white ass.�
Shayne chuckles at their conversation.
The panther looks amused. �Not in a million years. You reek of cannabis.�
Shadow chuckles. �So that�s what I smelled. DAMN! I did miss a party.�
Tzaphiel chuckles, �You�re not the only one.�
�Reminds me of that old stodgy back in the military years,� Shayne chuckles, �maybe you should call him Mr. Sunshine.�
Katie lets out a bark of laughter. �I should, indeed.�
�Now a little more,� Eclipse guides Luna over to the bed and lays her down and starts massaging her back.
Luna allows Eclipse to take her to the bed and work her over. Her growls slowly become purrs as Eclipse works on the stress within her.
Shadow chuckles. �Maybe we should start a party.�
Alexei goes back to his console getting on the ship-wide, �We�ll be arriving shortly, it�ll take a bit to get the planet from our jump-in coordinates, but remain on standby everyone.�
Tzaphiel smiles at Shadow�s comment, but watches Shayne. �I could do that in my room.�
�Cheese and crackers,� Shayne says to Katie after looking over Thorn.
DracBlue gets up when he hears Alexei. �Dammit, will I ever get to sleep again? Oh well, I better go find Cara.� He gets up and gets dressed, asks Ettik where Cara is, and then walks to Katie�s room. He stands in front of the door, catching a whiff of something similar to burned rope and says out loud, �What in the world is that smell?�
Luna�s ears twitch and she groans, �Damn, that was a fast trip.� Her tail swaying in rhythm to his hands� movement.
Tabris finishes getting dressed and looks out the window as Ettik slides from hyperspace, the rainbow colors giving way to starry skies and a ribbon like nebula circling the system on its outer edge.
�Yes.� Katie nods. �Cheese and crackers.� She glances at Thorn, then back at Shayne. �Uh�for what?�
�It�s what you were after when you came in here,� Shayne says with a smile and nod.
�I was?� Katie looks absolutely baffled. �Uh�okay.� She goes to the replicator and orders it.
Thorn sits and licks his massive paw disinterestedly.
Tzaphiel sighs in disgust and stands up. �I�ll see you all at the jump.� She leaves the galley and goes to wake up Drac.
Shayne shakes his head, then looks at Thorn, �Try to sober her up will you?�
Thorn gives Shayne a long-suffering look. �Um, yeah, bud. I�ll get right on it. Do you have any idea how difficult she is?�
Katie glowers. �Screw you both. I�m going back to my room.� She marches out of the galley, smacking into the doorframe. �Fuck it.� She grumbles.
�Yes, more than you�d think,� Shayne says to Thorn as he watches Katie�s face-plant into the doorframe.
Tzaphiel quietly reenters her room and closes the door.
Thorn gives Shayne a knowing look. �I rest my case.� He sighs and pads after her. �Watch yourself, Katerina. That didn�t do anything good for my head.�
Katie flips the bird over her shoulder. �Nag, nag, nag already. What possessed me in the first place?� She ambles down the hall. �Where the hell is my room, dammit?� Ettik pops up a map for her. �Thank you.�
Reaching her room, she scowls at Drac. �Hello, fuzzy. Whatcha doin�?�
�Hmm�� Alexei says as he notices something on the long range scan, �Looks like we�ve got company. Sikozu, you seeing this?�
A small com-screen pops up on the view screen with Sikozu�s stern nod, �Yes, one ship on the ground. Keep distance, we�ll go in stealth mode and see if we can take it out.�
DracBlue looks at Katie. �Well, I was going to see Cara, but I see she is busy�so I am waiting on her.�
Katie thinks a moment. �Cara!� she bellows. �Your date for the prom is here to pick you up!�
Kyra jumps. �Oh my. You have a date?� She falls over sideways, laughing.
Tzaphiel looks over at Drac, but finds the bed empty. �Well, I can guess where he went.� She turns and heads back towards the galley.
Luna purrs, �Do we have to go? I�d rather stay here like this,� as Eclipse�s hands run over her fur.
Stryder and Aurora continue down the hallway, pausing momentarily to watch Drac and Katie. Stryder notices the panther following her, �Huh?�
Katie turns. �Good lord. You�ve got a lion on your ass.�
Cara jerks her head up when she hears her name shouted. �Huh? What PROM? Ain�t no way in hell I'm getting back into one of them frilly dresses!�
DracBlue looks at Katie, �What prom? I never said anything about a prom.�
Katie starts giggling. �Did you remember your corsage?� she gasps between peals of laughter.
�Prom? I must have missed something,� Stryder looks at Aurora with a confused look.
Thorn shakes his massive head. �C�mon, Katerina. You need a dunk in cold water to kill your enthusiasm.�
DracBlue looks utterly confused. �What�s a corsage?�
Thorn turns to look at Aurora. �The things we have to contend with, I swear.� Rolling his eyes.
Tzaphiel walks up on the gathering in the hallway and stands just behind Stryder and his pet. �What�s going on now?� She asks softly.
Aurora nods silently, then looks up at Stryder, �Come on, no need to stand around and get confused.�
Katie shrugs and walks into her room. �What�s everyone doing in my bedroom?�
Kyra�s eyes widen when she sees a giant panther following Katie. She shrieks and jumps up on the sofa, trying to climb the wall backwards.
Clarice turns to look at Katie, �Well, I dunno�turning your room into a pot-den as well as a Scottish pub?�
Sikozu and her ship separate from Ettik and soar towards the ocean planet ahead. The red and black surface of its hull shifts, becoming almost mirror like in quality as it nears the planet. �Stealth mode engaged, now let�s get a look at our friends.�
Kyra falls off the sofa, flat on her face. �Shit!� comes the muffled exclamation from the floor.
Katie staggers back into the wall, giggling. �You okay, lass?� she wheezes.
Stryder shakes his head and heads down the hallway again, Aurora following next to him.
DracBlue stands outside Katie�s door totally confused. �What in the hell is a prom for that matter?� he says to himself.
�Katerina.� Thorn�s sharp command causes her giggle-fit to subside to a few hiccups.
�Hmm?� Katie is still grinning, but trying to straighten up.
Tzaphiel watches Stryder walk away without answering her and sighs. She turns her gaze to Drac, �Prom is a fancy dance that teenagers get dressed up and go to. Kinda like the night we met.�
�I�m sure you would,� Eclipse says with a slight chuckle as he finishes massaging her back, �There, did that help?�
DracBlue turns to Tza. �Then is a corsage something that you bring to this dance?�
�I know you want to forget everything hurtful right now. But you need to get it together. We are more than likely heading into battle again. Is this the face you want to show the enemy?� Thorn�s soft words penetrate the fog of her brain, and she sighs.
Luna murmurs, �You don�t have to stop do you?�
�Well, my other customers may call me on preferential treatment,� Eclipse chuckles as he leans over to kiss her in the cheek.
Kyra picks herself up off the floor. �Whoa. Buzz-kill.� She looks over at Cara. �I feel weird.�
Tzaphiel shrugs, �It�s a flower you would pin to the girl�s dress.�
Claron looks over at Katie, then sees the panther. �What�s the matter, Kat? Having one pussy already, isn�t enough?�
�Harr, Harr.� Thorn says dryly to Claron.
DracBlue looks at Tza. �Why was Katie acting so weird?�
Luna sighs and smiles. �You are good at distracting me, darling.�
�Definitely one of the rogue fleet ships,� Sikozu comments on the secure com-channel, �Minimal crew, most of them are in a nearby structure. Better safe then sorry.�
The ship charges its guns and fires at the enemy ship, the shots hit and soon the enemy ship is a smoking wreck on the large flat plaza it used as a landing area.
Meanwhile: Growling at the smoking wreck of his ship, the black and silver armored man watches the small attack ship start to fly off. �I hate uninvited guests.� Bringing one of his hands up, he shoots a yellow energy bolt at the ship, striking it along the hull.
Sikozu�s com image rocks, �Damn it, what the hell hit us! Heading back to you, Alexei.�
Tzaphiel shrugs again, �She�s drunk or high, probably both.�
�Quantum energy signatures on that weapon hit,� Alexei says to Sikozu. �Can�t be good. I�ll have to do a long range transport on our guys to get them in there.�
DracBlue sighs. �I know what drunk is, but what�s high?�
�One has to have their marketable skills these days,� Eclipse says sarcastically as he grabs his sword.
�Guess I should see about getting some more ammo for my gun then,� Shayne says before leaving the galley.
Tzaphiel smirks, �Several of the ladies around here smoke a plant that causes them to feel or see things oddly.�
DracBlue looks at the door, then back to Tza. �Can I try it?�
Luna sits up slowly and holds out her paw for Luciendar. �Marketable skills? Is that what your calling them now?�
�Well after visiting that consort�s office, I could probably make a fair amount plying my trades,� Eclipse winks at Luna.
Luna huffs, �They don�t pay as much as you think.�
Alexei�s voice comes over the ship-wide again, �Looks like we�ve got some hostiles on the ground, folks. Got some sort of weapon down there that�ll damage the ship if we get close, I�ll have to transport you all, so report to the teleporter when you�re ready.�
�Are you making me a better offer?� Eclipse grins slyly at Luna.
�Well don�t that just fucking figure.�� Claron exclaims as she hears Alexei, �Impeccable timing as always�when it comes to ruining a good time.�
Katie hears the com. �Oh hell.� She sighs. �Better get going. But first, there�s something I need to do.� She picks up her holsters and straps them on, putting her guns in them. Then coiling her hair on top of her head, she looks at the others. �Alright, you guys. Rock and Roll.� She exits her room and heads down another hall.
�Guess that means us,� Tabris says to Valermos, who treats him to a simple �mmhmm� response.
Luna stands up and steps closer to him, �I thought I was the highest offer.� She smiles up at him.
Claron heads off to her quarters to grab Andy.
�You�re forgetting something.� Thorn says from behind her. At her blank look, he shakes his head. �Your sword, girl.�
Clarice follows after Kat.
�Not much pay, but the benefits are great,� Eclipse chuckles as he looks for the rest of his armor.
Tzaphiel shrugs. �Do what you want, but right now�we have a fight to see to.�
�Oh shit.� Katie narrows her eyes and Valdris comes whizzing to her.
Cara looks at Kyra. ~I can stay here with you, if you�d like.~
Kyra blinks at Cara. ~I think they�ll need all of us they can get.~
~You sure you�ll be able to swing me properly in your state?~ Andrasil questions Claron.
DracBlue nods. �Alright, I�ll ask Katie when we get back on the ship. Well then, I suppose it�s time to guard her.��
~Guess we�ll find out together then, Andy.~ Claron replies sarcastically.
Luna chuckles at Eclipse and tosses a piece of his lost armor at him as she reaches for her scabbard. �Here ya go, this cod piece is important�
Katie hurries to the Med Bay. She stands inside the door, looking at the lifeless form on the table. �Why? Why are you doing this? Damn you, wake up and face me, you asshole.� Tears brim. �If I die out there, I�m coming for you, I hope you know that.�
Valrash looks down to his dragon friend. �Time for battle.� ~I suppose, it�s time to test how well my fire works with ya, Cin.~
Eclipse chuckles lightly as he straps it on. �Guess we�re ready to go.�
~Then I need to go to my room to get Elexorian.~ Cara stands, then moves towards the door. ~Meet ya, there.~
~That will depend on how burnt you�d want them to be.~ Cinthoric says neutrally to Valrash.
Valrash smiles. ~I want naught but ashes left.~
Tzaphiel shakes her head at Drac, and turns away. �I�ll see you in the transporter room.� She walks down the hallway shifting into more appropriate battle wear.
~You got it.~ Kyra picks up her sword, watching the light dance across the blade. �Well ya may not be enchanted, but you�re still my lucky charm.�
�Wonder if the girls are done with their little party?� Tabris questions himself as he heads for the teleporter room.
Claron heads toward the teleporter room.
DracBlue follows Cara.
Luna moves towards the door, �Let�s hope this trip is easier than the last one.�
Katie steps up close. �You have a lot of explaining to do.� Her whisper is laced with confusion and hurt as she skims the backs of her knuckles across the familiar cheek, now relaxed in repose, looking fragile and almost childlike.
Cara glances over her shoulder at Drac. �Wouldn�t you rather be with your new �friend�?�
Thorn lowers his head, giving her a moment. Then he speaks softly. �Katerina�it�s time.�
Meanwhile: The silver and black armored man, obviously the leader, orders his soldiers into the complex. �Let�s make sure our uninvited guests don�t spoil the party.� He says to himself as he grabs an assault rifle and follows the soldiers.
DracBlue raises an eyebrow at Cara�s comment, but then says, �I have a duty to perform�� He adds, �And besides, you�re my friend, too.�
�Not as far as I am concerned�you don�t.� Cara enters her quarters, grabs Elexorian, then heads back out in the direction of the teleporter room.
Kyra dresses quickly, then heads to the teleporter room.
DracBlue stops right when she says that. �Fine, but know that I will always be your friend.� And before she can answer, he turns and walks to the teleporter.
�How was the party, dear?� Tabris questions Claron as he waits in the teleporter room.
�Well�Helllo, sexy!� Claron smiles radiantly, �Great! Fantastic!� She leans in planting a kiss on Tabris� lips. �Mmmmmm, you smell wonderful. Taste pretty good, too�� playfully nipping at his bottom lip.
Luna leads Eclipse to the transporter room. �What are we facing, Alexei?�
�Looks like the party ain�t done with you yet,� Tabris smirks at her.
�As long as it ends with you, my love.� Claron winks.
�Looks like units on foot, inside the ruins you�ll be teleporting to. At least one of them has the quantum weapon that hit the offspring ship.� Alexei says over the com.
Katie nods at Thorn sadly and heads for the transporter room, giving one last glance over her shoulder.
Shadow heads to the teleporter room.
�Sounds like we�re in for a good after-party then, babe.� Tabris readies Valermos in his grip.
Luna glances over at Eclipse, �Is he alright?�
�The best�� Claron watches as some of the others arrive.
�Katerina�are you okay?� Thorn�s voice is concerned.
Tzaphiel enters the teleporter room and moves into place on the pad, waiting for the others. �I knew we�d have to jump.� She sighs quietly.
�I don�t want to talk about it.� Katie walks glumly to the teleporter room.
Eclipse tilts his head returning Luna�s glance as Alexei replies, �Hull damage, he�s docking with Ettik and starting repairs. I can�t risk Ettik by flying down there, a few shots will pierce our hull, shields or not.�
Luna nods, �Yes, we can�t risk that.� She looks around the room, �Ettik, where is Wraith?�
Kalseru looks at the others that are walking into the room and says to Valrash, �So many people. I can see why your happy here.�
�I�m here,� Wraith replies softly as he enters the teleporter room.
Kyra enters and waits.
Clarice reaches the teleporter room.
Cara arrives shortly after that.
Luna turns to Wraith as he enters. �Can you tell if there is another sword there? We could be wasting our time; and endangering the ships and crew needlessly.�
DracBlue enters the teleporter room and stands next to Tza.
Kyra sees Katie�s expression as she walks in with Thorn. �Kat, are you-�
�I DON�T want to talk about it!� Katie hisses.
Kyra recoils, looking hurt.
Tzaphiel�s eyes go wide as Drac stands next to her not Cara. �What�s going on?�
Arwyn arrives, walking proudly, deliberately ignoring the others.
DracBlue just shakes his head and looks at Cara kind of hurt, but then looks back on the floor.
Tzaphiel turns a puzzled gaze to Cara. �Ok,� she whispers softly to Drac.
Cara stares back at Tza, �Gave him what he wanted�needed, you might say.�
DracBlue mumbles, �Needed�my ass.�
Katie feels Thorns intent gaze. �I�m fine,� she says coldly.
Tzaphiel looks from one to the other, slightly confused by the undercurrent of hostility flowing between them.
Cara chuckles, �What�s matter, flyboy? Miss me already?�
DracBlue just mumbles something so low that no one can hear him but Tza. �That evil bitch. And I called her friend! She is cruel and vindictive.��
Wraith looks at Luna, �It is here��
Shayne enters the teleporter room as well, hand resting idly on the pistols holstered on his belt.
Tzaphiel forces her mouth to stay shut as she�s shocked by his venom. She moves closer to him, but doesn�t speak.
Luna nods once at Wraith, �I see then, we go in.� She looks around the room at the gathered forces. �I guess this is all we�re going to take down this time?�
�Looks like we�re all here,� Stryder says as enters with Aurora.
Katie stares at her feet, moodily.
�All right, teleporter online and charging,� Alexei says over the com, a dull yellow glow beginning to form in the center of the chamber.
Claron doesn�t acknowledge Stryder one way or the other.
Thorn heaves a heavy sigh. �Try telling someone who ISN�T the other half of you, Sweetcheeks.� His quiet rumble is audible enough to be heard by anyone standing close enough.
Kyra cocks her head and looks at Katie.
The yellow glow spreads out to cover the entire chamber and you notice the metal walls and floor disappear around you in a flash. As the glow subsides, you find yourself on a large tiled plaza. Ahead of you is a half sunken building resembling old earth capital building, nearby a broken billboard advertises �the wonder at the bottom of the sea� the rest of the once colorful imagery is faded or chipped away.
Tzaphiel looks around the ruins as they appear.
The ruins are very old, but look of similar age and condition as the large building ahead. The rear end of a 194O�s style limo bobs restlessly against the edge of the plaza.
Luna�s ears twitch as her eyes search the area.
�Well, well�I don�t remember inviting you to our little expedition.� A voice yells from the large building ahead, though the source cannot be seen. �But now that you�re here, I see no reason to leave you out of the festivities, FIRE!� From multiple points behind columns and windows, gunfire rings out towards you.
Drawing his pistols, Shayne rolls to the ground and returns fire from behind a half-eroded stone bench.
Tzaphiel�s wings form and she soars into the sky, quickly throwing energy balls at the windows where the gunfire is coming from.
DracBlue looks up with an anger in his eyes, but remains still, searching the area. He hears the voice and takes to the sky, diving at one of the people firing at them.
Kyra squeaks and rolls.
Valrash tucks and rolls summoning a fire jet to spurt out at the people
Cara hits the ground, then looks up, scanning the area.
Katie stands there numbly, staring at the firefight.
Thorn crashes a massive shoulder into her, knocking her off her feet, and not a moment too soon, as something hot clips the side of her throat.
The soldiers under attack retreat into the ruined building while the remainder continue to lay down fire.
�Katie, damn it�� Shayne reloads one of his guns and moves towards Katie, firing towards the building as he goes.
Luna rolls out of the way of the gunfire as she draws Luciendar. �What the hell did we pop into?�
�Dammit, Katerina!� Thorn�s anger blazes. �Are you planning on killing us both? If so, why did you bother bringing me forth?!?� His bellow shakes the tiles.
Katie blinks, the growls back. �Get off my ass, Thorn!� But some of the fire returns to her as she crouches, her eyes crackling as she sends Valdris flying toward the source of one of the shots.
Claron smiles as a bullet aimed for her stops suddenly, then drops to the ground in front of her. ~Still wonder, Andy?~
One of the soldier�s screams as Valdris eviscerates him before flying back to Katie.
~Nicely done, Valdris.~ A ghost of a smirk plays around Katie�s lips.
Tzaphiel circles high overhead, continuing to fire energy blasts at the sources of the gunfire.
�So, not so easily dispatched. Good, I�d hate for it to be easy.� The voice shouts out as the gunfire subsides, the soldiers apparently retreating into the building. �Follow us if you want your little sword, if you dare.�
Katie whirls and winks at Shayne, Valdris bobbing serenely at her side.
Motioning his soldiers into the grand hall, the silver and black armored man shouts, �I don�t care what�s guarding this place, kill the easy ones. Leave those big creatures to our guests, it should prove a good challenge.�
Luna looks around for Eclipse, �Sounds like an ambush to me.�
�Probably, but it�s the only route I can see,� Eclipse says as he stands, noticing the gunfire stopped.
Tzaphiel flies over to Drac�s side, �What is going on?�
DracBlue lands next to the doorway and looks over at Tza. �I�m fine.� The look of anger, dancing in his eyes.
Luna stands and brushes herself off, �I hate getting shot at.�
Tzaphiel shakes her head at Drac, �Don�t let that anger make you reckless.�
�Stay here if you want, I�m going,� Wraith glances at everyone, then heads for the building.
DracBlue walks in. Ignoring Tza�s words, he says, �But I�m always reckless.�
Valrash walks up to the building, Kalseru following close behind him.
�Hmm, they didn�t stay long,� Tabris sighs a bit dejectedly.
Tzaphiel gasps and follows him with an energy ball in each hand.
The front door of this building has long since eroded away, leaving easy access to the inside.
Aurora glances around, �Whatever happened here happened a long time ago,� she follows next to Stryder as he follows the others towards the building.
Luna moves towards the door cautiously. ~I hate fights like this.~
Shadow sighs and wanders in to the building as well.
The entry hall is large, with columns flanking either side as it stretches forward. At the far end, a stone railing splits into two different staircases leading down into a room currently out of view. Two more eroded signs advertise ��come see the wonders� and �jewel of the seas��
Tabris glances around the building once inside, �Big place, wonder what they did here?�
Luna enters and looks down over the railing quickly.
Katie follows Kyra to the building.
Thorn pads after her.
Oddly enough, a circular section of red carpeting with a centralized circular couch sits at the bottom of the staircases. A styled pillar shaped like a human sits on top of the couch�s center section, holding what appears to be a flat disc upwards.
�Odd place for a waiting room,� Shayne states as he notices the seating and red carpet.
Katie nods. �Well, we seem to be waiting to get shot at, again. So it kinda makes sense.�
Tzaphiel looks around, �I don�t want to know what these people were waiting for.�
Wraith heads down the staircase, paying little mind to the strangeness.
DracBlue just looks at the room, and then heads down the stairs, ready for the fight ahead.
Kyra stifles a giggle at Katie�s comment.
Thorn makes a derisive sound in his throat.
Luna follows Wraith, still holding Luciendar ready.
�I don�t see anywhere else to go, and they aren�t here anymore,� Stryder says looking around the building, then at the couch.
Valrash holds his sword at the ready and walks down the stairs. Kalseru jumping from place to place, following right behind him.
Tzaphiel looks at Stryder, �They�re here, hiding somewhere. We�re walking right into a trap. I know it.�
Shadow walks down the stairs as well.
Kyra looks around and notices Stryder for the first time. ~Oh!~
Katie notices the direction of Kyra�s gaze. �Not now, love.� She gently guides Kyra to the stairs.
Claron steps ahead of the others onto the carpet.
Kyra allows herself to be led down the stairs and over to the carpeted section.
Thorn pads along after them.
Tabris follows Claron to the carpeted area, �Huh�� shrugging Tabris goes over and sits on the couch.
Tzaphiel starts down the stairs with the others.
�It may be a trap, but where else can we go?� Eclipse glances around before following the others.
Clarice follows after Claron and Tabris.
Cara keeps close to Kyra.
Arwyn smiles as she steps regally onto the red carpet.
~Cara�is that?�~ Kyra swallows hard, looking behind her at Stryder, then back at Cara.
Once the last of the group has set foot on the red carpeting, the circular section begins to descend. The tunnel leading down is still ornately detailed, despite the wear and tear of the many years, notches mark increasing depth. Several fathoms down, the walls disappear; and you find yourself under the water.
However, the water is held back in a dome shaped around the platform, extending from the statues disc. As it descends further, the light from the surface grows dim, as the last of the surface light leaves a ring of lights lining the apparent edge of the carpeted platform turn on, illuminating the ocean around you.
A large school of fish, numbering in the thousands swim past, seemingly unnoticing of your unusual underwater transport as they swarm by. Deeper and deeper you go, until you notice the water being illuminated brightly from below. The first thing you notice is a large central spire, topping a large central skyscraper, save it�s underwater.
As your watery transport descends, the massive underwater city stretches before you. Large human statues stretch upwards and gaze out into the deep ocean as they flank large skyscrapers ringing the central city. Two large signs loom into view, one following the other, �Welcome to Damascus� �Enjoy your stay��